Join me as we journey around France—a mixture of many different trips over many different years. We've lived in Paris (and hope to do so again) and have re-visited almost every year. And our mission is to cover the whole country, one trip at a time.

As is so often the case in Paris, you’ll unexpectedly come across a small green space, tucked between larger buildings. Such is this one—just a block and a half down from Gare de L’Est is the large Eglise Saint-Laurent and this green garden in the square next to it. It’s not a manicured garden with flower beds and lawns, rather it’s paths looping through huge beds of riotous greenery and a mix of blooming flowers.

What caught our eyes when first walking by—in the rain and dragging our suitcases—and what made us come back the next day, were many brightly-colored whimsical structures, such as a “tree”, a “bird”, and an “alligator”. Some small boards are ‘planted’, each with a different animal coat color and pattern, such as zebra, leopard, or giraffe, giving the illusion of animals. The bright creations brought a smile to our faces, which I’m sure was one of the intentions of the creators.

Bird

There are a couple of wooden sitting toys for kids, but the main pleasure here is just looking. Another interesting thing is the one empty side wall of the adjoining building. It is full of special graffiti, which, strangely, doesn’t detract from the garden, but rather adds to its whimsicality.

Tree

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About viviennemackie

Avid traveler, travel writer and photographer. In an earlier life I was a psychologist, but now am an ESL teacher. Very interested in multiculturalism, and how travel can expand one's horizons, understanding and tolerance.